Prescription medicines classified as Fascia A by AIFA (www.aifa.gov.it) are dispensed free or with a small regional ticket (€1–4 per package in the Marche), while Fascia C drugs are fully patient-paid. Typical over-the-counter prices in Pesaro: paracetamol 1g (20 tablets) €4–6, ibuprofen 600mg generic €5–8, a standard blood-pressure measurement at the counter €3–5, and basic INR fingerprick testing €8–12. Vaccinations administered in-pharmacy (influenza, COVID-19 boosters for eligible cohorts) are free under SSN for entitled residents. EU visitors with a valid EHIC/TEAM receive the same SSN terms as Italian residents; non-EU travellers pay full retail.

§02Emergencies & out-of-hours care

Pesaro pharmacies operate a published servizio di turno (duty rota) coordinated by Federfarma Pesaro-Urbino, with at least one pharmacy open overnight and on Sundays — the current roster is posted on each pharmacy door and at the Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord (Ospedale San Salvatore) on Piazzale Cinelli. For genuine medical emergencies, dial 118 (medical) or 112 (single European emergency number); the San Salvatore pronto soccorso handles A&E around the clock. For non-urgent overnight needs the Guardia Medica covers the Pesaro district and can be reached through the regional ASUR number.

§03Frequently asked questions

Do Pesaro pharmacies accept the European Health Insurance Card?

Yes. All SSN-affiliated pharmacies in Pesaro — which includes effectively every licensed outlet — accept the EHIC/TEAM for prescriptions issued by an Italian SSN doctor or by a recognised EU practitioner. You will pay the same regional ticket as a Marche resident, typically €1–4 per pack. Bring your card and a photo ID. Private prescriptions from outside the EU are dispensed at full retail price and are not reimbursed by SSN, though pharmacy receipts can be submitted to your home insurer.

Are pharmacies open during the August holiday period?

Yes, though hours contract noticeably. Italian custom sees many small businesses close for Ferragosto (mid-August), but Pesaro's seafront pharmacies — particularly Farmacia Comunale mare and the lungomare branches — extend hours through August to serve tourists. The Federfarma duty rota guarantees continuous coverage citywide, with the on-duty pharmacy clearly indicated. The Rossini Opera Festival period sees additional evening cover in the historic centre.

Can I get an English-speaking pharmacist in Pesaro?

Reasonably often in the central and seafront branches, less reliably in the hill-village outlets. Younger pharmacists generally have working English; the comunali branches near Piazza del Popolo and along the lungomare are accustomed to international visitors during summer. For complex queries, bring the generic (INN) name of your medication written down, as Italian brand names frequently differ from those used elsewhere in Europe.

Do Pesaro pharmacies dispense medical cannabis?

Only those authorised by the regional health authority and only against a specialist prescription issued under Italian Ministry of Health rules. Cannabis FM-2 and imported preparations are handled by a limited subset of pharmacies in the province; the Ospedale San Salvatore pharmacy service can advise on the current Pesaro outlet roster. Self-imported cannabis products are not legal substitutes.

Are CBD and homeopathic products available?

Yes, widely. Most Pesaro pharmacies — particularly the larger comunali — stock CBD oils within Italian regulatory limits, plus Boiron and Guna homeopathic lines, herbal preparations, and parapharmacy cosmetics. These are sold off-prescription and are not SSN-reimbursable.

§04Safety note

This directory is informational only and is not medical advice. For individual clinical decisions, dosing questions, or interaction checks, consult a licensed pharmacy or your medico di base in person.